Methods for Optimizing Production and Collection of Reusable Gases

Abstract

Methods for increasing methane emitted from organic waste and for collecting methane and other gaseous bi-products. A gas collection unit collects gas in a first separation tank, wherein the gas is separated into methane and other components. The methane is collected, and other components are diverted. A second separation tank receives diverted components combined with an acidic solution and further separates the components into carbon dioxide and other compounds. The carbon dioxide is collected for reuse in a variety of applications.

1 . A gas collection and separation unit, comprising:
 an intake opening connected to a first tank;   a first tank containing water and having an emission opening for the release of methane;   a sparger located within the first tank;   a passageway connected to the first tank for the circulation of water soluble gases, the passageway further connecting to a heat exchanger;   a conduit for water soluble gases attached to the heat exchanger;   an opening connected to the conduit for introduction of acidic solution into the water soluble gases;   a pressure release valve attached to an end of the conduit for release of the acidic solution and the water soluble gases into a second tank, wherein the second tank includes a condenser; and   a compressor for compressing carbon dioxide, the compressor further including an opening for emitting carbon dioxide.   
     
     
         2 . The unit as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an entry pump connected to the input opening.   
     
     
         3 . The unit as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a water connection pipe connected to the first tank such that water enters the tank from the water opening.   
     
     
         4 . The unit as recited in  claim 3 , wherein an input line further connects to the water connection pipe to allow introduction of substances into the water connection pipe to create alkalinity solutions. 
     
     
         5 . The unit as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first tank includes an exhaust valve for regulating the release of methane from the emission opening. 
     
     
         6 . The unit as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the condenser further includes a first opening for water input and a second opening for water output. 
     
     
         7 . A gas collection and separation unit, comprising:
 a heat exchanger, wherein gas enters the receptacle near the heat exchanger, connected to a sparger, wherein the sparger is further connected to a first separation tank;   the first separation tank further including a valve and a discharge pipe, wherein the valve is configured to release methane collected within the first separation tank, and the discharge pipe is configured to release water-soluble gases after saturation, and wherein the discharge pipe is further connected to the heat exchanger;   a connector pipe connecting the heat exchanger to a second separation tank, wherein the water-soluble gases of the discharge pipe are combined with an acidic solution and passed through a pressure release valve to enter the second separation tank as a mist;   cooling coils connected to the bottom of the second separation tank, having an input opening and an output opening; and   a compressor connected to the top of the second separation tank wherein carbon dioxide collected in the second separation tank moves through the compressor to a collection opening.   
     
     
         8 . A method for collecting and separating gases of different densities, comprising:
 receiving gaseous emissions into an opening connected to a heat exchanger;   combining the gaseous emission with an alkaline water;   filtering the gaseous emissions through a sparger;   collecting the gaseous emission in a first separation tank;   capturing methane separated from the gaseous emissions;   diverting water soluble gases used in the first separation tank to the heat exchanger;   combining the water soluble gases with an acidic solution;   releasing the water soluble gases and acidic solution as a mist into a second separation tank;   collecting water droplets from the second separation tank in cooling coils; and   capturing carbon dioxide separated in the second separation tank and collected in a compressor.   
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising:
 receiving water and one or more of hydroxide, carbonates, bicarbonates of salts of sodium, potassium and ammonium for creating an alkaline water solution.   
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising:
 cooling gases received in the second separation tank.   
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising:
 pumping gasesous emissions into the first separation tank through the sparger.   
     
     
         12 . A method for production of methane, comprising:
 inoculating organic waste with large numbers of selected bacteria;   optimizing fermentation conditions to maximize methane production;   implementing a phage monitoring system and a mutant-derivation program to ensure optimal microbial conditions in organic matter degeneration.   
     
     
         13 . A method for digestion of organic matter, comprising:
 determining phage patterns and phage host ranges of methane producers in rumen;   isolating species of bacteria that contribute to cellulose breakdown and methane production in bovines;   culturing isolated species of bacteria; and   assessing phage resistance of isolated species of bacteria.   
     
     
         14 . A process for digesting organic matter, comprising:
 inoculating a digester containing organic matter with an inoculum containing several different genera of phage resistant bacteria;   adding a second inoculum of phage resistant bacteria to the digester to produce one or more of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and organic acids;   adding a third inoculum of phage resistant bacteria to the digester to convert the one or more of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and organic acids to methane;   optimizing fermentation by controlling one or more of temperature, pH, and moisture content; and   monitoring nutrients and adding nutrients as needed to optimize fermentation.